Think back to when you were a little kid. Do you recall your parents ever getting upset with you for something but you genuinely didn’t know you weren’t supposed to do it/touch it/get into it? Has your boss ever become angry with you over something and you said to yourself, “What does this jerk think I am, a mind reader?” Worse, have you ever yelled at your child and thought to yourself, “Geez, he should have known better!”

Effective communication could have prevented each of the scenarios outlined above. In fact, communicating well can help prevent many unpleasant things such as:

• Frustration
• Drama
• Misunderstandings
• Demoralization
• Decreased productivity
• Turnover
• The over-consumption of Bon Bons

Strive for a positive, open communication style. Remain calm in your interactions with others. Above all else, listen. Make the other party feel as though they are the most important person in the world to you at that moment. Just as with respect, communication must be mutual–allow time for both parties to speak. Paraphrasing and repeating back what the other party said is a great way to demonstrate you heard them. They will feel as though you truly care about what they have to say and therefore be more receptive to you in return.

After all, none of us wants to walk into the “whatchu talkin’ bout, Willis?!!” moment. Especially when it’s avoidable.